Summary
Consider these expert tips to make the most of your visit.
A crossroads of cultures, history, and climate, Turkey offers a little bit of something for everyone. Visitors are drawn to the rich history and architecture of Istanbul, the beaches of the Mediterranean coast, the adventure of the central mountains, the food and festivals throughout, and so much more.
“As a country nestled on two continents — Europe and Asia — Turkey attracts visitors from all over the globe with its blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine,” says Mina Agnos, president of Travelive and a GoTravelDaily A-List advisor. “Turkey is a destination that can be explored any time of year, but spring and autumn would be the best times to visit, with mild temperatures, favorable weather, and gorgeous colors.”
Read on if you’re ready to discover more about the best times to visit Turkey, as well as what each time of year has in store. And, once you make a plan, this Turkey packing list will help you prepare.
Best Time to Visit Turkey for Smaller Crowds
One of Turkey’s greatest attributes is its beautiful Mediterranean climate — even in the winter, temperatures hardly dip below freezing. For example, January and February temperatures in Istanbul average around 48 and 49 degrees. These numbers might lower slightly as you travel further north or higher up into the mountains, but snowstorms are rarely a thing. However, winter is the best time to avoid crowds, as most people save their travels for the spring and summer. Liam Dunch, Abercrombie & Kent product manager for Europe, agrees that January and February are the best times to visit Turkey for fewer crowds.
Best Time to Visit Turkey for Good Weather
Because Turkey is such a large country, with so many different areas to explore and things to do, experts may tell you there is no wrong time to visit Turkey for the weather. “It depends on your purpose,” says Dunch. “If you’ll explore the historic and cultural treasures, anytime is good. However, the best times would be from mid-May to late June, and September and October.”
In Istanbul, for example, temperatures in May average around 71 degrees. In June, they rise to 80 degrees. The summer can be hot, with an average high of 85 degrees, but it’s still quite comfortable. Consequently, by September and October, the temperatures dip back down to 77 degrees and 68 degrees, respectively.
Spring and autumn also bring the best weather for hot air ballooning in Cappadocia, now a world-famous experience. While you can float above this landscape any time of year, the mild climate of April to June and September to October are most comfortable.
Best Time to Visit Turkey for Lower Prices
As is true with most tourist destinations, lower prices are usually available when fewer tourists are in town, as businesses make their rates more attractive to lure in travelers during the slow season. The same is true in Turkey. Moreover, another option to save on cost is to plan way in advance.
“The best way to get low prices is to plan early enough to get low rates on the hotels,” says Dunch. “Otherwise, January and February in general.”
Best Time to Visit Turkey for Festivals
Turkey is a country that positively pops with festivals; if you want to see how the locals celebrate, there are many opportunities to do so. Istanbul is the destination with the most celebrations. The Istanbul Arts Festival is the leading one, taking place in mid-summer. To attend the Istanbul Jazz Festival, visit in July. However, there are others a bit more off the beaten path.
“The little village of Alaçatı, west of Izmir, hosts an incredible herbs festival in April,” says Dunch. “Spring herbs are used as a specialty, fried into certain dishes in western Turkey during the spring.” He adds that in Antalya, a classical music festival is hosted in the world’s best-preserved, 1,900-year-old amphitheater.
“Another interesting one is the Rose Harvest Festival in Isparta in early April,” he says. “Come and see the black roses.” Gallipoli and Urla also host grape harvest festivals in October. Consequently, this is just the beginning. Year-round, Turkey is a destination that packs in the celebrations and the festivals.
Best Time to Visit Turkey for the Beach
From Izmir to Bodrum, Antalya, and beyond, Turkey has some truly stunning seaside destinations. The best time to go to Turkey for beach weather is definitely the summer, when temperatures are at their hottest and driest — in July, Bodrum can get as hot as 95 degrees. In general, June, July, August, and September are considered to be the best times to hit the beach in Turkey.
Worst Times to Visit Turkey
If you do go to the beach during the summer months, be aware that you’ll likely be there with thousands of other tourists. Across the board, summer in Europe — and August in particular — is hot, crowded, and expensive.
“Twenty years ago, no one in Istanbul had air conditioning; there was no need,” said Dunch. “With the changing of the climate and global warming, the seasons are changing. August is still the warmest month, which receives a huge amount of European holiday-goers.”
